August 2021 Edition

Happy National Waffle Day!

August 24th, 2021

Culture & News

The History of Brunch

The idea of weekend Brunch brings to mind soft jazz, mimosas, and a scrumptious menu to satisfy midday appetites. You can feast on frittatas, shrimp and grits, Belgian waffles, or the classic favorite Eggs Benedict. But how did this delightful dining event began? According to Wilhem Family Vineyards of Arizona: Brunch first appeared as an article by British author, Guy Beringer, in Hunter’s Weekly (1895). He advocated for an alternative to the post-church early dinner that would combine breakfast and lunch dishes for “Saturday-night carousers.” This trend reached the shores of America in the 1930s, available on transcontinental trains and associated with the celebrity lifestyle. It gained popularity during World War II, as more women joined the workforce and it provided a Sunday break from cooking at home.1

Although, it appears the birth of Brunch has affluent roots, it has gained a growing foothold in the modern mainstream. It is often featured as a Mother’s Day event, found at church socials, civic organization gatherings, and as a party menu to entertain at home. Overall, its a sociable time for family and friends to connect, converse, and dine to their hearts content. A banquet fit for us all.            

Bibliography

(1 ) “The History of Brunch.” Wilhelm Family Vineyards. 2020. https://wilhelmvineyards.com/the-history-of-brunch/

Sweet Tea + Thyme: Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Butter Sauce https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/fried-chicken-waffles-spicy-honey-sauce/

Food52: A Southern-Inspired Brunch That Pulls Out All the Stops

https://food52.com/blog/22234-a-southern-inspired-brunch-that-pulls-out-all-the-stops

Southern Kitchen: Host a Southern Biscuit Party Complete with a Biscuit Bar

https://www.southernkitchen.com/articles/entertain/host-a-southern-biscuit-party-complete-with-a-biscuit-bar

Taste Better From Scratch: Eggs Benedict with Homemade Hollandaise Sauce

https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/eggs-benedict-with-homemade-hollandaise-sauce/

Art/Film/Literature News

Why Art Matters

Kimberly Drew is an author and independent curator who explains the importance of having art in the home. She gives tips on how to choose art, identify your own taste, and the importance of recognizing art in many everyday objects. See her article below for more insight on why art matters.  

NPR: Why Surrounding Yourself With Art Matters-And How To Do It

https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1009098860/find-art-for-your-home

Business/Non-Profit News

Diva by Cindy

Cindy Tawiah is the business owner of Diva by Cindy, a line of natural and alcohol-free hair care products. These products are available online, in the kiosk at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and at Fort Belvoir military base in a convenient vending machine. What a genius way of getting hair care products while on the move!   

Black News.com: Military Base Welcomes First Ever Blacked-Owned Natural Haircare Vending Machine

https://www.blacknews.com/news/military-base-first-ever-black-owned-natural-haircare-vending-machine/

Diva by Cindy Hair Products

https://divabycindy.com/

Book Review

The Eighth Round

The areas of equality and constitutional rights are still ongoing issues in American society. The dimension of race, ethnicity, and/or gender adds to the complexity. Zeke Wilson, a prizefighter, U.S. Marine veteran, and boxing promoter, faced one of his toughest fights in a Boston federal courtroom. In his book: The Eighth Round (2014, 208 pages, kindle edition) he describes the racial discrimination directed towards him via the Massachusetts Boxing Commission. A unique aspect of the lawsuit was that it alleged same-race discrimination, as two of the defendants were African-American.

There was a full courthouse for the trial with both Harvard and Yale Law Schools and other civil rights attorneys in attendance. The case was argued before an all-White jury. Mr. Wilson had fought four years to have his day in court and had much hardship along the way. From lawyers who dropped the case making him a pro se Plaintiff, financial strain, racial epithets, and telephone harassment. He writes: “The first thirty-five attorneys I spoke with felt that I had no chance” (kindle loc. 1065). “There was absolutely no precedent for same-race discrimination anywhere in the federal court records” (kindle loc. 1313-1318). This was a ground-breaking legal case that established a meaningful precedent (Wilson v. McClure, 2000).              

This legal situation illustrates certain Black individuals, who exercise the authority given to them vis-a-vis the dominant power group, can be useful to accomplish the goals of the powerful. In exchange, these Blacks can satisfy their own various personal motivations. Often, minority communities can identify with the racial struggles of their fellow minorities. But one should be careful not to confuse a similar racial struggle with a person’s character. The view of the African-American community as a monolith of the same thoughts, opinions, and motivations is inaccurate and unrealistic. Although, there can be substantial consensus on major issues that effect the Black community, diversity of thought can also be seen. If in doubt, just watch the news or Black YouTubers’ disagreements on socio-political issues.

Finally, discrimination is illegal, regardless if the perpetrator is the same or different race of the injured party. This is supported by the same-race discrimination precedent set by Mr. Zeke Wilson. This book is a must read!    

Zeke Wilson Twitter

https://twitter.com/theeighthround_?lang=en

The Black Factor: Same Race Discrimination (2007)

http://theblackfactor.blogspot.com/2007/08/same-race-discrimination.html?m=1

The Vaughn Law Firm: Are Employers Protected From Liability For Same-Race Discrimination

https://thevaughnlawfirm.com/2021/07/25/are-employers-protected-from-liability-for-same-race-discrimination/

Purchase/Read the book synopsis here

Video (5)

“Eggs Benedict Brunch Recipe”
Smokin’ & Grillin’ with AB on YouTube
“Quick and Easy Cheese and Meat Platter”
Ali in the Valley on YouTube
“Backyard Brunch Party For Spring Tea Party Theme Brunch Ideas”
Live & Gather Co. on YouTube
“Catfish Mukbang/Purple Magnolia Restaurant/Let’s Chat About This Serious”
Granny Karma Homestead on YouTube
“QueenPins Trailer (2021)”
Movie Coverage on YouTube
Release Date: September 10th, 2021


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Published by LaSheba Baker

Hi, I’m LaSheba. The Sankofa Newsletter is a reflection of my personal and research interest in the study of culture, history, religion, sociology, and neuroscience. As an aspiring scientist, author, and life-long learner this blog serves as a resource to inspire, enlighten, and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Happy Reading! “And when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions.” -(1 Kings 10:1, KJV Holy Bible)

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